As expected, rain was widespread across the state overnight, causing a number of Victoria’s waterways to rise substantially.
In the inner city, an emergency warning was issued at 5.40am for the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne’s north-west, where floodwaters were rising rapidly. Residents of a number of surrounding properties were instructed to evacuate immediately.
This EMERGENCY WARNING - RIVERINE FLOOD - Evacuate Immediately has been issued for Maribyrnong River - Maribyrnong
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) October 13, 2022
- Floodwaters are rising rapidly.
More details at https://t.co/lemoNUhQAH pic.twitter.com/iAKOCfsyXA
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SIGN UPThe Anglers Tavern, a pub on the banks of the Maribyrnong, has been inundated. While both Aberfeldie Park and Footscray Park appear largely underwater.
The Anglers Tavern on the banks of the Maribyrnong River has had its lower floors flooded as the river continues to rise.https://t.co/2sgLHeBOHf pic.twitter.com/cvY93HpSK5
— Fiona Bateman (@feebateman) October 13, 2022
The flooding has closed Raleigh Road near Van Ness Avenue in Maribyrnong.
Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong is closed in both directions near Van Ness Avenue, along with a number of surrounding roads due to flooding. Avoid the area and never drive through floodwater. #victraffic pic.twitter.com/xRCmh1o3iX
— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) October 13, 2022
Meanwhile, roads in Kensington, Ballarat and Smithfield are also closed in both directions due to flooding. Police are directing traffic and motorists are encouraged to avoid the area.
As of 10.15am today, almost 300 roads across the state are closed due to flooding, according to Vic Traffic.
In the north, Merri Creek is looking very “swol”.
Very swol in Preston, and looks like it’s receded a fair bit too pic.twitter.com/nVRCfFGEww
— scobie (@whatsdoinmedia) October 13, 2022
And there are river rapids where the Merri meets the Yarra.
Surf’s (almost) up in Abbotsford where the mighty Merri meets the Yarra. #floods #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/RhDJ2fOV03
— Sal Maddo (@SalMaddo) October 13, 2022
In light of the flooding, Vic Emergency has issued a pertinent reminder to Victorians to never drive through floodwaters.
This is a message that could save your life: Never, EVER enter floodwater.
— VicEmergency (@vicemergency) October 13, 2022
In the past 24 hours, emergency services have been called to 119 flood rescues, and we don't want you to be next.
Do not enter floodwater on foot, on a bike or in any other way. @vicsesnews pic.twitter.com/gp9kfyR00n
While Victoria’s severe weather warning has been cancelled, many parts of the state are now grappling with flood damage – including Seymour and Castlemaine.
The Severe Weather Warning for #Victoria has been cancelled. The rainfall rates have eased about NE Victoria, but there will still be a few more hours before the cold front clears to the east of the State. pic.twitter.com/zsJlJnN9RG
— Bureau of Meteorology, Victoria (@BOM_Vic) October 13, 2022
Keep up to date via Vic Emergency and Vic Traffic. If you need assistance, call VICSES on 132 500; if you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
This article was updated at 10.57am on Friday October 17.